Horta "out of danger"

Shot East Timorese President Jose Ramos Horta is "out of danger" and recovering in a Darwin hospital.

AFP reports Mr Ramos Horta - who was shot in the stomach by rebels yesterday - is on a ventilator after having a bullet in his lung removed.

Since the attempted assassination, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao has declared a state of emergency for 48 hours.

Asia News reports Mr Ramos Horta recently met with Pope Benedict and discussed the political and social situation of East Timor.

A statement from the Holy See said, in the 21 January meeting in the Vatican, the Pope and Mr Ramos Horta spoke on the process of national reconciliation and international community's support in the consolidation of democratic institutions.